FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Ichabod Crane Riding Habit
(click images to to enlarge)
Outline the story …
I was inspired by Washington Irving’s short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow to create an interpretation of Ichabod Crane. Since I, a woman, modeled for this project, the more masculine style of woman’s riding habits fit nicely with the time period as well as the fateful horseback chase at the climax of the tale. Although the story was published in the 1790s, I chose to use patterns based on 1760s fashions to fit with a more rural and rustic setting. While there have been many darker interpretations stemming form the stories gothic elements, I tried to focus on earthy tones that would look at home in autumn in the New York countryside.
Outline the construction…
For the riding habit, since this is my first historical project and I am not yet comfortable drafting patterns from scratch, I used Reconstructing History’s 1760s Riding and Traveling Outfit pattern as my base while referencing cut and notes from the riding jacket of the Snowshill Collection (Janet Arnold’s Patterns of Fashion). It was fitted on myself over stays and a bumpad to get the period silhouette.
The jacket and outer petticoat are olive green melton wool. Similar to the Snowshill jacket, the bodice and sleeves are lined with a striped pumpkin linen and the insides of the skirt and jacket front are faced with ivory taffeta, and buckram down the front for additional stiffness. The collar is shaped by pad stitching and horsehair canvas. The pockets and front are embellished with copper colored hand stitched button holes and copper stamped metal buttons. The cuffs are faced with a contrasting black silk wool. For the sake of time, I used a “theatrical” method of historical construction where the hidden seams were machine done, but anything shown was backstitched or felled by hand. To complete the ensemble, I cocked and decorated a black wool hand blank to make the tricorn.
The most satisfying part of the project was completing it! My first historical project required a lot of work just building the undergarments, including stays, chemise, men’s shirt, and underpetticoats. And that was before I got to the riding habit mock-ups! Fitting the sleeves proved the be the most challenging step.
I’m a sucker for 18th century riding habits- love this one!
this is beautiful. love this shade of green. Great job
Impressive work! I also love your color choices. This fits the character much better than black and has a fall season feel that evokes the story well.
This is gorgeous and your stitching is lovely! I’m inspired to make one as well!
Good gravy! You made the hat too?! Fabulous!
Just Beautiful. The buttonholes are such a nice touch!
A very cohesive look. Nicely done!
Amazing.
Everything looks so good together. I love the peachy color for the buttonholes and lining. You say the sleeves were the most challenging and you nailed them!
WOW, this is really well done! I love everything about this! Thank you!